Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Bye, Hawgs: Ceremony Marks the End of an Era at Willow Grove

If you've ever been in the Horsham area and heard what sounds like a loud vacuum cleaner overhead, then you know the A-10.

You would also know it if you were in an Iraq Army tank in the first Gulf War. Ever since that conflict, the A-10 has earned a reputation as the best ground attack aircraft in the US Air Force and maybe in the world. Since 1988, the Pennsylvania Air National Guard's 111th Fighter Wing has the been flying the aircraft, affectionately known as the Warthog or just 'Hawg', from Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove.

On Sunday, a ceremony was held to mark the final flight of the A-10 from the Montgomery County base. 4 "Hawgs" took part in the final ceremonial flyby, which ended with the planes taxiing in under a traditional water cannon salute.

The final four pilots were also doused with a fire hose and champagne to mark their final flights. The end of the A-10 is also another nail in the coffin for the future of JRB Willow Grove.

The remaining Marines and Navy squadrons are scheduled to move to McGuire AFB in Burlington County at the end of the year.

The last A-10's will eventually be sent to other squadrons around the country. The 111th pilots will either train to fly other aircraft, move to non-flying jobs or retire.

Please note: Associated to this news article is a slideshow with 13 excellent shots, all taken by Bill Shull / NBC Philadephia! Because they are not downloadable by right mouse click, I made screenshots to save these historic pictures:

The Final Four A-10 pilots from the 111th Fighter Squadron walk to the their planes for the last time. (Photo by Bill Shull / NBC Philadelphia)

Maj. Scott Hresco, call sign "Spartacus," rolls up his sleeves before getting to work in the Cockpit. Note the 103rd Fighter Squadron patch on his right arm. (Photo by Bill Shull / NBC Philadelphia)

Ground crews prepare the last four 111th A-10's for their ceremonial final flights. Pictured are A-10s 78-0658 (foreground) and 80-0214. Note: I can't identify the third Hog in the background. (Photo by Bill Shull / NBC Philadelphia)

Dedicated in Love

This blog is dedicated to Marina Naumann, my latest female partner who died after incurable pancreas cancer on June 17, 2010, just only a half year after diagnosis. Marina was the second true wife in my life, and she always supported my long-year enthusiastic research work on the Hog, especially since the beginning of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Rest in peace, Marina.